‘Breaking Dawn’ boffo, shy of franchise record

Friday estimates put fifth 'Twilight' on pace to $135 million weekend

Summit Entertainment’s “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2″ is heading for a colossal weekend as fans rush to say goodbye, but its estimated $135 million will fall short of a franchise record.

According to early Friday returns, the fifth and final “Twilight” will clock in with a hefty $66 million for the day, likely putting it behind “Breaking Dawn — Part 1’s” franchise-best opening of $138 million.

In second place, Sony-MGM’s “Skyfall” is continuing to shake up the U.S. box office with an estimated $40 million weekend, only a 51% drop from its Stateside debut. DreamWorks “Lincoln,” meanwhile, is also drawing a considerable amount of adult auds with an impressive $21 million from only 1,775 screens. “Lincoln” will continue to expand nationwide next week.

“Breaking Dawn,” based on the popular novels from Stephenie Meyer, earned an additional $38.5 million Thursday from 37 international terrirtories.